Wexford man guilty of brother's manslaughter

A Wexford man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of his brother.

Martin Connors, of Belvedere Grove in Wexford, had pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of his 21-year-old brother Michael Connors at Belvedere Grove on 8 July, 2011.

The jury also returned a unanimous guilty verdict in relation to his mother, Sally Connors, and sister, Margaret Connors, who pleaded not guilty to attempting to impede the prosecution of Martin Connors, who was 19 at the time of his brother's death.

Following legal submissions by senior counsel for Gerard Connors, father of the accused, and Patrick Connors, brother, Judge Barry Hickson directed the jury to enter a not guilty verdict.

Both had pleaded not guilty to attempting to impede the prosecution of Martin Connors.

Prosecuting counsel Denis Vaughan Buckley had described the death of the Michael Connors as "an awful killing".

He said Martin Connors assaulted his brother Michael during an incident near the family home on the night of 29 June or early morning of 30 June in 2011.

Michael Connors died in Beaumont Hospital as the result of injuries received.

Following the guilty verdict, Sally Connors fainted in court and was brought to Wexford General Hospital.

Judge Hickson remanded Martin, Sally and Margaret Connors on continuing bail to 21 October next for sentencing.

He ordered a victim impact statement from Carmel Connors, wife of the deceased, while also requesting a medical and psychological report for Sally Connors.

A probation and welfare report was also ordered in relation to both Martin and Margaret Connors.

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